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Disparities in Rate, Triggers, and Management in Pediatric and Adult Cases of Suspected Drug-Induced Anaphylaxis in Canada
Immun Inflamm Dis
  • Sofianne Gabrielli
  • Ann E Clarke, University of Calgary
  • Harley Eisman
  • Judy Morris, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur
  • Lawrence Joseph, McGill University
  • Sebastien La Vieille, Université Laval
  • Peter Small, McGill University
  • Rodrick Lim, Western University
  • Paul Enarson, University of British Columbia
  • Michal Zelcer, University of British Columbia
  • Edmond S Chan
  • Chris Mill
  • Moshe Ben-Shoshan
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-1-2018
URL with Digital Object Identifier
https://doi.org/10.1002/iid3.201
Disciplines
Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Data is sparse on drug-induced anaphylaxis (DIA) and there have not been studies assessing the differences in clinical characteristics and management of DIA between adults and children.

OBJECTIVE: We assessed the percentage, diagnosis, and management of DIA among all anaphylaxis visits in three pediatric and one adult emergency departments (ED) across Canada.

METHODS: Children presenting to the Montreal Children's Hospital (MCH), British Columbia Children's Hospital (BCCH), and Children's Hospital at London Health Sciences Center and adults presenting to Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur with anaphylaxis were recruited as part of the Cross-Canada Anaphylaxis Registry. A standardized data form documenting the reaction and management was completed and patients were followed annually to determine assessment by allergist and use of confirmatory tests.

RESULTS: From June 2012 to May 2016, 51 children were recruited from the pediatric centers and 64 adults from the adult center with drug-induced anaphyalxis. More than half the cases were prospectively recruited. The percentage of DIA among all cases of anaphylaxis was similar in all three pediatric centers but higher in the adult center in Montreal. Most reactions in children were triggered by non-antibiotic drugs, and in adults, by antibiotics. The majority of adults and a third of children did not see an allergist after the initial reaction. In those that did see an allergist, diagnosis was established by either a skin test or an oral challenge in less than 20% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results reveal disparities in rate, culprit, and management of DIA in children versus adults. Further, most cases of suspected drug allergy are not appropriately diagnosed. Guidelines to improve assessment and diagnosis of DIA are required.

Notes

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Citation Information
Sofianne Gabrielli, Ann E Clarke, Harley Eisman, Judy Morris, et al.. "Disparities in Rate, Triggers, and Management in Pediatric and Adult Cases of Suspected Drug-Induced Anaphylaxis in Canada" Immun Inflamm Dis Vol. 6 Iss. 1 (2018) p. 3 - 12
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/rodrick-lim/19/